Spanish in a Flash Set 1 flashcards are intended for children ages 5 and up who are just learning Spanish. While, in general, a flashcard is a flashcard, this set of 100 cards has a few distinguishing features.

First, the cards are color coded with a border to easily identify their category. Categories include The Body, The Classroom, Colors, Days of the Week, Family, Food, Numbers, and School.

Also, the cards are of sturdy, glossy stock with a hole in the lower corner, allowing you to slip them on the two included metal rings. The rings and color-coding allow you to work easily with specific categories.

Finally, each card lists the Spanish word as well as the Spanish phonetic pronunciation on one side and the corresponding English word on the other side. This ensures that the words are pronounced properly while being learned and allows the child to test himself by flipping over the card to check his answer.

A helpful paper insert explains the proper pronunciation of the Spanish alphabet. Also included is a reproducible student resource "notebook sheet" listing each category with the words listed underneath as well as two award certificates.

If you are looking to purchase a set of Spanish cards, this set is a good value for its $8.99 retail price and will get your child off to a good start. They are bright, easily organized, sturdy, and have clear photographic images of each subject.

It is suggested that you follow up the flashcards by assigning activities from the reproducible Spanish Word Searches Book 1. This 32-page workbook is your basic word search book and offers searches for each category and three "mixed" review searches. It also includes a few word matching pages and an answer key.

If your children enjoy word searches this might be a fun add-on. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider it worth the $5.99 retail price.

Product review by Dena Wood, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2006